Dubai To Debut World’s First Air Taxi Service By 2026, Reaching 320 Km Per Hour Speed

In a groundbreaking move to lead the future of urban air mobility, Dubai has greenlit the construction of its first aerial taxi vertiport, positioning the city to introduce airborne public transport by 2026.

The vertiport will be situated near Dubai International Airport, offering a swift, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for passengers soaring across the cityscape.

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum authorized the project, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s visionary transport development.

Covering 3,100 square meters, the vertiport will feature designated areas for take-off, landing, aircraft charging, taxi parking, and passenger boarding. It is designed to support 42,000 landings annually, with the capacity to serve up to 170,000 passengers.

Constructed to the highest global safety standards, the air-conditioned vertiport is a collaborative effort involving Joby Aviation, which will provide aircraft manufacturing and operations, and Skyports, managing the infrastructure design and implementation.

The service is expected to debut in early 2026 with Joby Aviation’s S4 model, an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that offers vertical take-off and landing.

The eco-friendly S4 can reach speeds of 321 km/h, has a range of 161 km, and carries a pilot and up to four passengers, all while operating at much lower noise levels than traditional helicopters.

In the initial phase, the project will focus on four key locations across the city, creating a high-speed, safe, and interconnected transport solution for residents and tourists alike.

According to RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer, the aerial taxis will provide a fast and reliable alternative for urban transport, supporting Dubai’s ambition for multimodal connectivity. The aerial taxis will be integrated with other transport options, including e-scooters and bicycles, enhancing accessibility across the city, reports Hindustan Times.

Earlier this year, RTA formalised partnerships with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Skyports, and Joby Aviation to bring the aerial taxi service to Dubai’s skies, underscoring the city’s commitment to pioneering innovative, sustainable transport solutions.